VERONA - Forty students from nine area school districts enjoyed the experience of a formal dance at Madison-Oneida BOCES Friday evening as part of the school's Special Programs.

The Spring Fling Formal Dance, in its fourth year, offers students with disabilities a night of music and fun among friends and family.

Jordan Christian, 21, from Munnsville had already ditched her shoes and was all smiles as she enjoyed the music playing. She picked her outfit, a floral skirt, because it was her favorite color -- pink -- and was ready to dance all night, she said.

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For 17-year-old Lloyd "JR" Clark, of Camden, Friday's dance will be his last, as he graduates from the program and plans to attend college. He says the spring formals are always fun and offer a chance for students to see friends they aren't able to see too frequently.

BOCES Special Education Coordinator Carla Donovan says the dance is geared toward students who aren't able to go to proms in their respective school districts because they're unfamiliar with the students there or because they wouldn't be comfortable attending.

The spring fling incorporates the attendance of students' families and focuses on having fun, she said. A club comprised of Special Programs students, headed by staff member Gerry Meeker, has met once a month to plan the details of the evening. Students also held bake sales and area businesses and organizations pitched in to sponsor the cost of the dance.

Escorted by classmates, friends and family members, each student's name was announced as they entered the room as part of the grand march. Music often brings out another side to students who have challenges being comfortable around others, but surrounded by familiar faces, Donovan hopes each person will make lasting memories of the evening.

"We're creating memories for the kids," she said.

The dance also has a learning component as students continue to use social skills they learn in the classroom. Donovan says it's an experience that every kid should be able to have, particularly being able to dress up and, for the girls, have their hair and makeup done.

BOCES Special Programs include students ages 7-21 who have severe and profound disabilities, along with those who have mild learning and intellectual disabilities, Donovan said. The program responds to their academic needs while focusing on life skills and building individuality. While she recognized that many students won't be able to meet conventional education standards, she said the program helps to prepare them for life outside of school.